Cong alleges Kerala in grip of 'goons', holds dharnas

Alleging that the state was in the grip of “goonda raj”, the Congress today held demonstrations across Kerala lashing out at the LDF Government for “failure” to ensure protection to life and property of commonman.

Alleging that the state was in the grip of “goonda raj”, the Congress today held demonstrations across Kerala lashing out at the LDF Government for “failure” to ensure protection to life and property of commonman.

Addressing the protesters in front of the Government secretariat here, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala and opposition leader Oommen Chandy alleged that criminal gangs had been flourishing in the state under patronage of CPI-M leaders.

Speaking to party workers here and at district centres,the Congress leaders singled out Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan for attack, saying the police had been ‘neutralised´ from taking stern action against criminal gangs.

The leaders recalled the murder of businessman Paul Muthoot George as a classic case where the police had failed to arrest two proclaimed offenders wanted in connection with the case.